View on human rights

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has presented a holistic perspective on human rights, demonstrating a blend of the universal values of human rights with the specific characteristics of each country. At the 12th Party Congress, he stated: “We must respect and protect universal human rights values, but we must also consider and implement them in accordance with Vietnam’s specific conditions, ensuring the unique aspects of our culture and society.”

While acknowledging the universality of human rights, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong emphasized that their implementation must align with each country's specific conditions, including historical context, cultural and traditional values, and social, economic, and political circumstances.

Vietnam respects and protects human rights based on both international and national legal frameworks. This is reflected in the Vietnamese Constitution and related laws, which clearly stipulate human rights, ensuring that all citizens enjoy fundamental rights. Additionally, the government’s socio-economic development policies aim to improve the people's living standards, thereby guaranteeing economic, social, and cultural rights. Educational and awareness-raising activities, as well as international dialogue and cooperation on human rights, are also key components.

This perspective was reiterated by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in his speech at the first session of the Government for the 2021-2026 term: “All Party guidelines, policies, and laws of the State are for the benefit of the people,” and “We should not wait until the economy reaches a high level of development to achieve social progress and equity; nor should we sacrifice social progress and equity in the pursuit of economic growth alone.”

Human rights and socialism

In his article "Some Theoretical and Practical Issues on Socialism and the Path to Socialism in Vietnam," General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong clearly stated: “In the socialist political system, the relationship between the Party, the State, and the people is a unified relationship in terms of goals and interests; all Party lines, policies, laws, and activities of the State are for the benefit of the people, with the people's happiness as the ultimate goal.”

It is evident that socialism in Vietnam aims to prioritize human beings, ensuring that all citizens enjoy fundamental rights such as the right to life, freedom, and development. On the path to socialism, it is essential to build and strengthen socialist democracy. The people have the right to be masters, and human rights in all areas will be ensured and respected.

Implementing human rights through socio-economic development

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong emphasized the connection between human rights implementation and socio-economic development, focusing on two main aspects: sustainable development and combating poverty and inequality. Speaking at the 13th Party Congress, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong highlighted that development must ensure both economic and social factors, with improving the quality of life for the people being a crucial goal in the sustainable development process.

Firstly, economic development must be conducted in tandem with environmental protection. Economic activities should not only focus on growth but also on protecting natural resources and minimizing environmental pollution.

Secondly, sustainable development must ensure that its benefits reach all social classes, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of healthcare, education, and the spiritual life of the people. Eradicating poverty and reducing social inequality are essential goals to achieve human rights. Ensuring human rights cannot be separated from efforts to bridge the wealth gap and provide equal opportunities for everyone.

Practically, throughout the leadership of the renewal process, our Party and State have focused on building a new society, linking economic development with gradual advancements in culture, education, and healthcare, continuously improving the material and spiritual lives of the people, showcasing the good nature of the socialist regime.

Human rights in law and the political system

Human rights are recognized and protected in the Vietnamese Constitution. Relevant laws include provisions aimed at protecting human rights and ensuring their practical implementation.

Within the political system, the Communist Party of Vietnam holds a leading and guiding role, and ensuring human rights is part of the Party’s political goals. The Party is committed to protecting human rights while prioritizing the implementation of social and economic policies to improve people's lives.

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong emphasized that Vietnam is building a rule-of-law system where human rights are protected by law. Ensuring human rights within the political system involves implementing policies, laws, and regulations to protect and enhance the rights of the people.

Education and awareness-raising on human rights

Human rights need to be integrated into educational curricula from elementary to high school and university levels. Teaching human rights helps students understand their basic rights and obligations in society. To ensure effectiveness, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong suggested training teachers on human rights to help them convey this knowledge accurately and effectively.

He also proposed developing textbooks and learning materials on human rights for teaching and learning purposes. Additionally, using media to raise public awareness about human rights is encouraged. There should be mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the implementation of human rights education programs to ensure they achieve their goals and are effective in raising awareness.

International commitments

Vietnam is a member of various international human rights conventions, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). Complying with international human rights standards is not only a legal obligation but also a moral responsibility of Vietnam in protecting and promoting human rights.

To ensure human rights in practice, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong believes that Vietnam should continue to amend and improve its legal system to ensure that national laws on human rights are in line with international commitments. Additionally, he emphasized implementing national programs and policies to ensure human rights, including social policies, economic development policies, and poverty reduction programs.

International dialogue and cooperation on human rights

Vietnam has participated in many international human rights conventions. Signing and implementing these conventions is Vietnam’s commitment to international human rights standards. Additionally, Vietnam should actively participate in international monitoring mechanisms, such as the United Nations Human Rights Council and other monitoring bodies, to assess the human rights situation and report on the implementation of international commitments. Vietnam should also organize and participate in international forums and engage in bilateral and multilateral dialogues to address specific issues and promote mutual understanding of human rights.

Enhancing transparency and accountability in human rights implementation

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong encourages creating favorable conditions for people and international organizations to easily access information on human rights. Information on human rights must be accurate and objective to avoid misunderstandings or misinformation that could affect public trust and the international community.

Agencies and organizations must be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the human rights situation and reporting the results to higher authorities. The Communist Party of Vietnam and state agencies must be accountable for implementing and protecting human rights, developing appropriate policies and programs, and ensuring these policies are effectively implemented. Additionally, the participation of social organizations, non-governmental organizations, and community groups in protecting and promoting human rights should be encouraged.

In summary, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s views comprehensively and consistently reflect our Party and State’s stance, aligning with fundamental principles and progressive trends in the field of human rights and international law.

These views contribute significantly to Vietnam's theoretical foundation in the field of human rights and provide direction for all activities of the Party and State in protecting and advocating for human rights amid new and complex global developments.

Duc Minh

(Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics)